SNA-SFO/SJC gone as of Nov 18, 2008
Aug 12, 2009, 5:34 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
First UA then AA. Just as the airport looks to be getting rid of its slummy facilities, nobody is left to fill it except WN. Hopefully AA doesn't completely drop those ORD flights. It is too bad UA couldn't even keep one going. But then when you have SFO up the freeway about 45 minutes without traffic, it's tough.
Aug 12, 2009, 8:13 pm
#77
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PIT/DFW/MEL; AA Exec. Platinum & 4MM, QF WP
Posts: 7,689
SJC-LAX is safe, IMO, because of LAX.
LAX will see growth when the economy turns around. I really see AA making LAX a true hub operation in the next 4-6 years. They have already surpassed UA as the largest airline at LAX (excluding regional operations) and, AA/MQ combine for having the largest share of passenger revenue at LAX (despite UA/UX being larger). Of course, that being said, this is all depending on gate space becoming available, but AA has first opportunity for new gates at T5 and TBIT. T5 is connected to T4 within security by a tunnel, which is currently closed but could be re-opened quickly.
LAX will see growth when the economy turns around. I really see AA making LAX a true hub operation in the next 4-6 years. They have already surpassed UA as the largest airline at LAX (excluding regional operations) and, AA/MQ combine for having the largest share of passenger revenue at LAX (despite UA/UX being larger). Of course, that being said, this is all depending on gate space becoming available, but AA has first opportunity for new gates at T5 and TBIT. T5 is connected to T4 within security by a tunnel, which is currently closed but could be re-opened quickly.
Aug 13, 2009, 9:20 am
#78
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA PLT Pro 1.93MM+, UA Gold, SWA Comp Pass, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 107
I'd be sad to see these flights go, but I gave up on AA long ago for west coast flights from SNA... Once they switched to 100% Eagle I moved my business to SWA and now VX. I'm not a big fan of SWA, but they are fine for short hops and better than flying an RJ. Yeah, I don't get my 1000 miles/trip any more, but it was never really a factor for my EQM's anyhow.
Now SJC can fight for volume with SFO and OAK, as fewer carriers seem willing for fight for their turf.
Aug 13, 2009, 9:25 am
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
The flight offering for AA is a different story...
Cheers.
Aug 13, 2009, 9:58 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA PLT Pro 1.93MM+, UA Gold, SWA Comp Pass, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 107
I'm going to have to take exception to this part. Having lived through (and continuing to do so) the changes, I have to say that they're quite refreshing, and not particularly outdated. No, it's not the new terminal 4 in MAD, but it's becoming something nicer than either SFO (barring the international terminal) or OAK. Plus, the convenience of access, parking and getting around is fabulous.
The flight offering for AA is a different story...
Cheers.
The flight offering for AA is a different story...
Cheers.
I compare this to SNA, which has always been capacity constrained (# of flights) but was built to accommodate a much larger flight volume. I made the comment specific to the master plan based upon these experiences and observations. It seemed to me they didn't anticipate the level of GROWTH for terminal A, although the surrounding infrastructure (off ramps and thoroughfares) have come a long way. Keep up the good work!
How close are they to fixing the rental car facility? I'd heard they were moving it to the other side (Coleman exit?) and connecting with a tramway instead of those horrible buses.
Aug 13, 2009, 10:10 am
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
As being a local, I defer to your opinion as you've seen the incremental changes first-hand. As for my experience, I think back to when the rental cars were in the lower garage at terminal A. The delays were horrendous for those of us returning home (e.g. renters just parked their car on the grassy area surrounding the garage entry and abandoned it prior to check-in). Once inside the terminal - the security lines extended into the parking garage in terminal A. Once beyond security, the majority of rush hour boarding lines extended in serpentine fashion and all directions, which impacted the local concessions.
) I wasn't even aware that they were doing this. They are building what I thought was a parking structure over by the current Terminal C. Maybe this is for Rental Cars?Cheers.
Aug 13, 2009, 10:10 am
#82
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mostly AUS or rural England
Programs: BAEC redundant Bronze, AAdvantage Lifetime PLT, CO, WN, B6
Posts: 6,526
Not to mention the lines to some of the concessions that were in the seating area on the opposite side of the main walkway. I haven't been to SJC in a couple of months now, but does the extension have competition in the concessions? I remember the single previous bar as getting away with worse than indifferent service which I always ascribed to the total lack of competition.
Last edited by bernardd; Aug 13, 2009 at 10:35 am
Aug 14, 2009, 11:14 am
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
Not to mention the lines to some of the concessions that were in the seating area on the opposite side of the main walkway. I haven't been to SJC in a couple of months now, but does the extension have competition in the concessions? I remember the single previous bar as getting away with worse than indifferent service which I always ascribed to the total lack of competition.
The new concourse section is very nice, with a lot of apparent business expansion planned.
Cheers.
Aug 14, 2009, 11:19 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
Update on SJC AC
We just stopped by on the way to this GoGo-equipped flight and I got some information from one of the AAngels.
The club is secure, "as long as AA are still there." While that seems questionable to me with the cutbacks, they're at least secure for about 3 or so more years of the current lease. In fact, she was saying that there will be some expansion and improvement, although I didn't get specifics.
She also said that the current cuts are being viewed as a "hunkering down" sort of response as opposed to a sense of finality. Of course, all remains to be seen, but it was an encouraging conversation even though AC AAngels are not privy to most of the inner details.
Cheers.
The club is secure, "as long as AA are still there." While that seems questionable to me with the cutbacks, they're at least secure for about 3 or so more years of the current lease. In fact, she was saying that there will be some expansion and improvement, although I didn't get specifics.
She also said that the current cuts are being viewed as a "hunkering down" sort of response as opposed to a sense of finality. Of course, all remains to be seen, but it was an encouraging conversation even though AC AAngels are not privy to most of the inner details.
Cheers.
Aug 14, 2009, 11:33 am
#85
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: United 1k, American Executive Platinum, Hyatt - Diamond Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 197
I will most likely be taking my last SNA -- SJC trip today. I am going to miss this flight. =(
Aug 14, 2009, 2:23 pm
#86
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SNA / South OC
Posts: 304
Working in the tech industry, the comment about "early adopters" is definitely true. I am routinely in situations where a teleconference, video conference, or "telepresence" meeting is arranged that would have been a trip up to SJC even 2 years ago. Also like most corporations our "lowest fare" rule is being strictly enforced. Since a lot of biz travel between OC and the Bay Area is booked less than a week in advance and often inside 24h, WN wins on the last-minute fares.
The question of unused slots at SNA is a good one. The demise of AQ opened slots which WN and VX have partly filled. AC went as far as doing noise certification flights but has yet to take any action. They obviously don't feel any "use it or lose it" pressure. Now with AA reducing service and the DL/NW merger presumably causing more cuts, it will be interesting!
Fortunately AS flights accrue AAdvantage miles, both AS flights and codeshares. They do a good job up and down the coast; financial press speculates they are a good takeover target by AA. Let's hope not, AA has killed enough West Coast carriers already!
The question of unused slots at SNA is a good one. The demise of AQ opened slots which WN and VX have partly filled. AC went as far as doing noise certification flights but has yet to take any action. They obviously don't feel any "use it or lose it" pressure. Now with AA reducing service and the DL/NW merger presumably causing more cuts, it will be interesting!
Fortunately AS flights accrue AAdvantage miles, both AS flights and codeshares. They do a good job up and down the coast; financial press speculates they are a good takeover target by AA. Let's hope not, AA has killed enough West Coast carriers already!
Aug 14, 2009, 6:31 pm
#87
Suspended
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 208
Working in the tech industry, the comment about "early adopters" is definitely true. I am routinely in situations where a teleconference, video conference, or "telepresence" meeting is arranged that would have been a trip up to SJC even 2 years ago. Also like most corporations our "lowest fare" rule is being strictly enforced. Since a lot of biz travel between OC and the Bay Area is booked less than a week in advance and often inside 24h, WN wins on the last-minute fares.
The question of unused slots at SNA is a good one. The demise of AQ opened slots which WN and VX have partly filled. AC went as far as doing noise certification flights but has yet to take any action. They obviously don't feel any "use it or lose it" pressure. Now with AA reducing service and the DL/NW merger presumably causing more cuts, it will be interesting!
Fortunately AS flights accrue AAdvantage miles, both AS flights and codeshares. They do a good job up and down the coast; financial press speculates they are a good takeover target by AA. Let's hope not, AA has killed enough West Coast carriers already!
The question of unused slots at SNA is a good one. The demise of AQ opened slots which WN and VX have partly filled. AC went as far as doing noise certification flights but has yet to take any action. They obviously don't feel any "use it or lose it" pressure. Now with AA reducing service and the DL/NW merger presumably causing more cuts, it will be interesting!
Fortunately AS flights accrue AAdvantage miles, both AS flights and codeshares. They do a good job up and down the coast; financial press speculates they are a good takeover target by AA. Let's hope not, AA has killed enough West Coast carriers already!
downside: within 10 years, the routes will be gone
Aug 14, 2009, 7:00 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA PLT/1.9MM
Posts: 500
We just stopped by on the way to this GoGo-equipped flight and I got some information from one of the AAngels.
The club is secure, "as long as AA are still there." While that seems questionable to me with the cutbacks, they're at least secure for about 3 or so more years of the current lease. In fact, she was saying that there will be some expansion and improvement, although I didn't get specifics.
She also said that the current cuts are being viewed as a "hunkering down" sort of response as opposed to a sense of finality. Of course, all remains to be seen, but it was an encouraging conversation even though AC AAngels are not privy to most of the inner details.
Cheers.
The club is secure, "as long as AA are still there." While that seems questionable to me with the cutbacks, they're at least secure for about 3 or so more years of the current lease. In fact, she was saying that there will be some expansion and improvement, although I didn't get specifics.
She also said that the current cuts are being viewed as a "hunkering down" sort of response as opposed to a sense of finality. Of course, all remains to be seen, but it was an encouraging conversation even though AC AAngels are not privy to most of the inner details.
Cheers.
Aug 17, 2009, 9:13 am
#89
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
Personally, I've used the AAdmirals Club @ SNA a bunch of times when I was flying on AS out of SNA....
Aug 17, 2009, 9:24 am
#90
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
Programs: AA, UA, WN, HH, Marriott
Posts: 7,290